Toll-like receptor 4 is expressed on intestinal stem cells and regulates their proliferation and apoptosis via the p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis

Abstract

Background: Factors that regulate intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and apoptosis are unknown. Results: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is expressed on ISCs and regulates their proliferation and apoptosis, which is critical in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Conclusion: TLR4 regulates ISC proliferation and apoptosis. Significance: This is the first study showing that ISC regulation by microbial receptors contributes to NEC pathogenesis. © 2012 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.